What do You See?

Oh Bill Martin, you inspire me...

Society, society, what do you see?

“I see a tom-boy looking at me: 

Baggy jeans, flat brims, inked skin, hair trimmed,

and a confused girl standing outside of closed church doors.”

 

Blessed church, blessed church, what do you see?

“I see a sinner looking at me. 

Leviticus, Genesis, and Romans frown down on two girls arm in arm

We sing our praises and beg for forgiveness

for the poor girl who knows not what she does.”

 

Daddy, Daddy, what do you see?

“I see a mistake looking at me. 

The way you dress, the ones you date,

The church you left, the choices you make”

 

Brother, brother, what do you see?

“I see my sister looking at me.

The one who will suffer the rest of her life,

Never have children or be granted a wife.

The one they’ll call “f****t” and tease at school,

I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand.”

 

Tomboy, Tomboy, what do you see?

“I see: society mislabeling me,

a church that judges me

 a father who shuns me

 a brother who doesn’t understand me

 and a beautiful girl lying next to me.

Soft hands, tender face, glossy eyes glaring back into mine,

And a whisper of reassurance spilling out of her innocent lips

That love goes far beyond sight.”

Reviews

[Audrey Murray]

well done ..every word plays it's part Much of the tone is the response the reader brings so it could be viewed as an angry poem , a nonjudgemental poem or a a poem if realistic acceptance it all hangs on perspective ...which is the essence of the poem
there is much truth in this poem

[Slow Leak]

This is great- keep doing your do girl. Writing, dating who makes you happy, and fulfilling your dreams. When people who love you discourage you from a behavior, they're usually just trying to keep you from getting hurt. The best way to show them you're doing the right thing for you is to let your light shine. Keep writing and being proud

[alifeacoustic]

I've always said labels are pointless, because every one puts their own on you to such an extent that you may as well walk about with a post it note suit of labels and let them blow away in the wind. Just maybe try this in an enclosed garden space though and not times square.
No matter what you are to anyone, you can only be you to yourself, so as long as you live label free, why shouldn't everyone else. so gay, straight, both, and all the other labels you are given don't mean sh*t. If you saved me from drowning, would it be on the news that a gay woman saved me from drowning> Maybe if it was a more in depth piece, you would be a gay woman who disappointed her family that saved me, but to me I would live the rest of my life thinking of the awesome person that saved my life.
You are a million things and more, ever changing and developing, so what label can stick to that? I see a writer and reviewer. I see a woman. I see a kind person. But maybe I'm just broken and don't get it, or I'm label blind.
A beautiful write, wonderfully projected. Just a pity that it needed saying at all. Great job.

[Coyote Poetry]

Amazing words dear Poet.
“I see: society mislabeling me,
a church that judges me
a father who shuns me
a brother who doesn’t understand me
and a beautiful girl lying next to me.
Soft hands, tender face, glossy eyes glaring back into mine,
And a whisper of reassurance spilling out of her innocent lips
That love goes far beyond sight.”
The above lines are powerful. I had to read a few times. I believe we gained wisdom when we don't have concern for the opinion of others about our life. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Tom]

'Let them who are without sin cast the first stone'

Rejection is a bitter pill to swallow especially when it comes from sources previously close to our heart and ought to know better !

A morally sound write, penned with a stoic and creative pen !

[PhoenixDown]

PhoenixDown, PhoenixDown, what do you see?
I see a strong piece of writing, a powerful author,
I see a loud voice,
a genuine character - one who talks of morality & equality
& does so with a sense of certainty & sincerity, quite beautifully.

Hold onto the one you love and the ones who understand. Nothing else matters.
Keep it up!